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Toronto FC: MLS Cup Finals Preview vs Seattle Sounders

By David Morassutti

Dec 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, USA; Stadium workers position a giant replica of the MLS Cup trophy after training sessions in preparations for the MLS Cup final between Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, USA; Stadium workers position a giant replica of the MLS Cup trophy after training sessions in preparations for the MLS Cup final between Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC will look to cap off its best season in franchise history, as they host the MLS Cup at BMO Field.

After months of grueling battles and exciting finishes, Toronto FC will look to cap off a dream season against the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup at BMO Field on Saturday night. The game will pit superstars Sebastian Giovinco and Nicolas Lodeiro against each other, in an intriguing battle of international MLS superstars.

What makes the game between TFC and Seattle a marquee matchup, is the balance of both squads. TFC has Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, while Seattle has Lodeiro, Jordan Morris and Osvaldo Alonso.

This game will test the depth of both teams. This is especially true on the back end and in goal, with former TFC goalkeeper Stefan Frei going up against Clint Irwin.

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Irwin had a tough time against the Montreal Impact in the Eastern Conference Final, but should be able to bounce back on the big stage. Frei has been consistent throughout the playoffs making spectacular saves, so TFC will have to find a way to break him in this game.

Roman Torres will try to lead a strong Sounders defence against TFC, while the Reds should be confident in theirs, which shut down a high-powered offence in New York City FC. Both teams are even when it comes to the back, but TFC should have a slight advantage with their chemistry.

Bradley, Armando Cooper, Jonathan Osorio and Will Johnson have provided a strong midfield for TFC, but will have a tough matchup against Sounders midfielders Lodeiro, Cristian Roldan and Alonso. TFC should hold the advantage when you consider that Benoit Cheyrou remains on the bench and can provide a spark, like he did in the second leg of the Eastern Conference final.

Where TFC pulls away from Seattle is their deadly attack, led by Giovinco and Altidore. Morris and Nelson Valdez will try to provide a spark for Seattle, but they are not on the same level as the Reds strikers.

TFC will need to have the home crowd give them the same support they have received all season long, especially in the playoffs. Seattle has had to deal with defeating a top seed in FC Dallas, but they have not played a team with the pedigree that TFC has.

Both teams have experience on their side, with players that have played in big games. Hopefully TFC can avoid having nervous moments early on, especially in the first 30 minutes, which got them in trouble against Montreal.

If Toronto FC can limit the mistakes early on, it will not take long for their explosive offence to take over. It will come down to the best players on both teams and with Giovinco and Altidore playing at their best in the playoffs, it is hard to bet against them.

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Who do you think will win Saturday’s MLS Cup Final? Will TFC bring a title to Toronto? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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